Vehicle Description
Ten years to the month after Jaguar introduced the E-type, the
company introduced a major change to the iconic English sports car.
Gone was the legendary 4.2 liter XK ohc straight six that had
powered Jaguar sports cars and sedans since the 1940s. In its place
Jaguar introduced a brand new V12 of a massive 5.3 liters. This new
engine put the E-type back in the game as a high-speed touring car
capable of 150 mph. With the production of this new E-type the
Fixed Head Coupe was discontinued so going forward the E-type was
produced as a roadster or 2+2 coupe.
This particular 2+2 is a very desirable example of an E-type Jaguar
that has yet to be fully appreciated by collectors. It remains a
relative bargain when compared to the skyrocketing prices of the
earlier series. This carefully maintained coupe has all the
features that make the E-type so collectable.
This V12 engine was a completely new design. Drivers found it was
beautifully smooth and able to put out 265-horse power. This new
engine was the result of US emissions rules that had sapped the
original XK engine of its performance. The all-alloy V12, was 86
pounds heavier than the six. This weight forced changes to improve
handling and required power steering as standard equipment. It also
generated more heat so a larger front opening was required and a
grill introduced for the first time. A scoop was tucked below the
grille for additional cooling air.
Outside, the body changed dramatically but stayed true to the
stunning E-type sweeping lines. The old E-type body was replaced by
the wider body originally used on earlier versions of the 2+2. The
wheelbase was extended to 105 inches. The track was also widened by
more than 3 inches. The wider E-type required wider wheel rims and
wheel flares over both the front and back wheels.
Inside, the larger chassis made for more room and comfort. The
chassis was also beefed up to handle the new V12.
This example has been carefully maintained by the second owner who
bought the car in 1974 with only 41,000 miles on the odometer. It
now has exceptionally low mileage at 58,000 miles. For a number of
years this coupe was in dry storage and stayed there until
2015.
When the car went back on the road, the owner made a number of
mechanical upgrades including new brakes, new radiator, new gas
tank, complete exhaust system, new power steering pump, rebuilt the
carbs and replaced the hoses and belts. The tires are also new.
The car has been repainted in the original factory and popular
Regency Red. The rest of the body and interior is all-original and
in excellent shape. The interior is Biscuit colored leather with
tan carpets.
This car features several highly desirable factory options most
notably the Jaguar made 4-speed manual transmission, factory air
conditioning and 72-spoke chrome wire wheels.
This mechanically sound and beautifully presented E-type represents
an exceptional opportunity to own an E-type before the market for
these iconic British sports cars makes them unobtainable for most
collectors.
ESTIMATE: $20,000 - $28,000
